Scary offseason for Red Sox reliever Bobby Jenks — FORT MYERS, Fla.—If Bobby Jenks' first season with the Boston Red Sox was difficult, his offseason was worse. — In 2011, the first of a two-year, $12 million contract with Boston, Jenks was limited by several ailments …

The harrowing tale of Bobby Jenks — FORT MYERS, Fla. — Red Sox reliever Bobby Jenks filled in some details about his medical issues this morning and it's quite a tale. — After recovering from a pulmonary embolism, Jenks traveled to Boston and had surgery on his spine on Dec. 12 at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Source: Oswalt willing to join team midseason … After waiting until spring training and failing to land a job to his satisfaction, free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt has told major league clubs that he might pull a Roger Clemens and return midseason, according to a baseball source. — Oswalt

Pirates president Coonelly charged with DUI — Pirates president Frank Coonelly has been charged with four counts related to drunken driving in Ross, the Tribune-Review has learned. — Ross Township police arrested Coonelly, 51, of Sewickley on Dec. 22 and charged him with drunken driving …

Ryan Braun Wins Appeal, Will Not Be Suspended — Ryan Braun has won the appeal of his failed banned substance test and will not be suspended for the first 50 games of the season, reports Tom Haudricourt of The Journal Sentinel. The union officially announced the win, saying both parties agreed …

Yanks, Russell Martin talking — TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Yankees have proposed ripping up Russell Martin's new one-year contract and giving him a three-year deal, his agent Matt Colleran told ESPNNewYork.com. — If the two sides were to come to an agreement, it would make Martin a Yankee through 2014.

Mets' sluggers can see the writing on the wall — PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - A group of fans tried to stop Daniel Murphy on his way out to Field No. 7. Earlier in the morning, he had signed every bat, glove and piece of paper handed his way. — But now he had an appointment.

Marlins' salary plan may anger union — The minimum salary in the new collective-bargaining agreement increased from $414,000 to $480,000, giving even the lowest-paid players a handsome wage. — Baseball's economic system, however, allows clubs to otherwise determine the salaries of players …

Steinbrenner: Mo ‘obviously a lifelong Yankee’ — Team would welcome closer back should he choose to continue — TAMPA, Fla. — If closer Mariano Rivera wants to remain a Yankee beyond the upcoming season when his current contract expires, he certainly will be welcome back …

Future 50: Buxton No. 1 — The prep center fielder tops Insider's first MLB draft board for 2012 — The college baseball season kicked off last Friday and high schools are underway across the southern U.S., making this a good time for my first ranking of the top 50 prospects for the 2012 Rule 4 draft.

Rays' starting pitching depth scary good — PORT CHARLOTTE, FLA. — Normally, I feel sorry for the Tampa Bay Rays. — Not this time. — Oh, the Rays still face their usual low-revenue problems while trying to compete with the big-budget New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the AL East.

Selig Calls International Draft ‘Inevitable’ — MLB pushed through significant changes to its draft in the most recent Collective Bargaining Agreement, and commissioner Bud Selig says the changes aren't done. — While discussing the state of the game in an interview with Baseball America on Tuesday …

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